Watches

Sure, you can keep track of time by checking your smartphone, but then you’d have to go through the trouble of pulling it out of your pocket. This can come off as rude, especially with company around. Dedicated watches are beautiful in their own right, but they help you keep track of time without depending on short-term phone battery life while always being one flick of the wrist away.

Watches are an integral part of many everyday carry setups. Beyond their primary use of telling time, they’re also a reflection the wearer’s personality and style. These watches have rich historical appeal as they were made for and worn in the field by infantry, Special Forces, and WWII pilots. Nowadays, military style watches are popular amongst the EDC community for their features, legibility, durability, and aesthetic. They go hand in hand with tactical gear.

With all the specs and watch nerd terms you might come across in your search, there's a lot of moving parts involved (literally). Do you want a watch you'll never have to take off your wrist, or separate options for work and play? Decide what's going to be the main use for your new timepiece first. Then move down the spec list, keeping your needs in mind. A minimalist watch for wearing around the office is going to be much different from a rugged diver that's ready for anything.

Watches can cost as little as $10… or well into the millions. What do you feel comfortable spending on something that's going to live on your wrist every day? The price doesn't always directly relate to how “good” the watch is. Remember — the prestige of established brands comes with a price, but that doesn't mean you can't get similar features from smaller watchmakers while saving a few bucks.

If you want a watch that's tough, precise, and functional, why not look for one designed by someone whose job is to be just that? That's what Nixon did with the Regulus, their entry into the “tough digital” watch world. They worked with Special Operations officers to spec out this rugged watch that's ready for hard use in the field. With a reverse-LED display, tough polycarbonate/Poron concstruction, and thoughtful design throughout, the Regulus makes its debut as a strong contender for your next everyday timepiece.

At a quick glance, it may look like just another digital watch, but the features that are packed inside separate it from the pack. The timekeeping module features a dual-chronograph display so you can time two missions at once, whether it’s something critical in the field, or you just want to keep track of dinner on the stove.

The display lights up via a variable brightness LED that illuminates the entire screen—ideal for when you want to keep a low profile but still need to read the time at night. The features are also easy to access, thank to the front facing buttons on the face of the watch. The 46mm case is built to last, featuring 100 meter water resistance and shock resistant materials throughout. The battery inside will last up to 5 years, so you don’t have to worry about frequently changing it.

The Nixon Regulus comes in three different colors that'll pair nicely with the rest of your tactical gear: black, gunmetal grey, and sand khaki. Pick one up in black at the link below.

"G-Shock Japan celebrates its 35th anniversary with a special edition of the watch that started it all – the DW-5000C. The GMW-B5000 is an all metal version of the first G-Shock watch. It also has solar charging, an LED backlight and..." (via TheAwesomer)

Typically, dive watches are built to resemble the depth rating and durability of a submarine. It’s not often that they’re actually made from a piece of one. The Zelos Hammerhead Submarine is a bronze dive watch with something unique going on just under the sapphire crystal. The dial is crafted from an actual piece of a decommissioned nuclear submarine. If that alone doesn't make the watch stand out, it's all of its other rock-solid features that out-spec other dive watches in the same price range.

The CUSN8 bronze case features a unique angular shape that’s reminiscent of a porthole window. The overall cushion shape is a callback to vintage dive watches, but the aggressive beveling and large lugs add a modern touch to the watch. Over time, the bronze case will pick up a patina the more you wear it, especially if you’re going to be doing some saltwater diving.

The Hammerhead isn’t all about the dial material, the rest of the watch is built to the highest ocean-ready specs. You’ll find a unidirectional 120-click bezel for timing, a screw down case back, double domed sapphire crystal, and water resistance up to an impressive 1000M.

The Zelos Hammerhead Submarine has some serious wrist presence at 44mm. Included in each wooden display box is a three straps - one rubber, one leather, and one canvas. The Hammerhead Submarine is limited to 100 pieces, and is available right now for $529 via the link below.

Finding an everyday watch can be tough. There are so many styles to choose from: divers, flingers, field watches, digital, and much more. Each style has its own benefits worth having on an EDC watch, but it’s rare to see a design that brings them all together. The Maverick Black Edition from Victorinox cherrypicks the best from each style of watch, and seamlessly blends them into a sturdy timepiece that’s wearable dressed up or down, whether you’re in the office or on your next adventure.

The first thing that stands out about the Maverick Black is the depth of the dial and how it can change its look depending on how it catches the light. At some angles, it looks almost blacked out, while at others the silver indices and hands pop out with a stunning shine. The dial has the Victorinox shield at 12 o’clock, Arabic numerals at 3 and 9, and a date window at 6. The inner portion of the dial displays military time, and there are minute markers on the chapter ring. It sounds like a lot of information to display, but the design works really well without being cluttered.

The 43mm case is crafted from high-grade 316L stainless steel and treated with a black coating to give it a stealthy look. Also on the watch is a uni-direction diver style bezel that can be used for tracking elapsed time. You’ll also find a 100m water resistance rating, a reliable Swiss-made quartz movement, and a coated sapphire crystal. The Maverick’s features come together to create a handsome looking watch.

The Maverick Black Edition is a limited run from Victorinox. It ships with a heavy-duty black leather strap and a premium watch box. The Black Edition also comes in a smaller 34mm version, or a chronograph model that has a tachymeter and timing features. You can check out the Maverick Black Edition at the link below.

A common theme you’ll see in EDC watches is that they’re definitely on the larger side at around 42mm in diameter. While bigger watches might seem more durable or easier to read, they’re not for everyone — especially people with smaller wrists or a more conservative style. That’s where Victorinox’s I.N.O.X. V 37mm watch comes in. Six millimeters may not sound like much, but you’d be surprised by just how big of a difference it really makes on your wrist. The compact 316L stainless steel case, reliable quartz movement, and extreme durability result in an excellent everyday watch.

The case design of the I.N.O.X. V is essentially the same as its bigger brother, the 43mm I.N.O.X., but scaled down proportionally. That doesn’t mean there were any compromises made to the overall durability and design of the watch, either. You get the same functionality at a smaller size. Not only is this ideal for those who need a smaller watch because of their wrist size, but it’s also great for those who want a smaller timepiece that doesn’t get in the way.

When wearing the watch, the difference between the 43mm and 37mm models is immediately noticeable. The “V” fits more easily under a cuff, sits centered on your wrist, and stays out of the way even better during physical activity. Due to the substantial case design, the watch actually wears a bit larger than its measurement implies, hitting the sweet spot between wrist presence and comfort. There really isn’t much else on the market in the 37mm size that can hold up to the amount of use and abuse that the I.N.O.X. line is designed to withstand.

The I.N.O.X. V boasts the near-indestructible features that make it a worthy addition to the I.N.O.X. line. The watches are designed to hold up to 130 stress tests, including freezing temperatures, shock resistance, water resistance, drop tests, and more. The core set of features include a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, applied indices on the dial, a screw-down crown, and a military time display. Instead of a rubber or leather strap, the V features a hand-made paracord strap that can be used in a pinch for survival situations. The material makes for a comfortable strap that flexes with your wrist and provides an interesting visual aesthetic too.

There are multiple configurations and colors of the I.N.O.X. V available. There's the deep navy blue featured here, a rich black dial, and a shiny silver that adds a pop of shine to your wrist. The I.N.O.X. V line starts at a reasonable $495, considering all the features packed inside. The watch comes packaged in a presentation box and includes a rubber bumper for added protection.

Time is money. And today, we're going to help you save on both. We've rounded up the best Citizen and Timex watches for everyday carry currently at a deep discount for today only. These two brands are EDC staples, with many models in their catalog watches we've recommended in the past, so now's the perfect time to step up your watch game. With options ranging from military watches to casual timepieces to the perfect accessory for formal wear, you're bound to find something that fits your style and your everyday carry needs.

Even with all their moving parts and intricate components, analog watches don't have to be fussy or fragile. Victorinox proves that with their adventure-ready I.N.O.X. line of watches. While this relatively new collection started with models built from its namesake I.N.O.X. steel, the line has expanded with timepieces sporting new, durable materials like titanium and paracord. The I.N.O.X. Titanium comes as a sand-blasted, EDC-ready option with a case made from lightweight titanium alloy. It's got the rugged spirit and classic analog style we've seen from past I.N.O.X. watches in a new design that won't weigh you down.

Despite its stylish looks, it’s durability and functionality at the core of an I.N.O.X. watch's design. To meet such high durability standards, Victorinox puts I.N.O.X. watches through the wringer, testing to ensure each watch can withstand the most extreme conditions. That includes drop tests onto concrete, freezing it solid, and blasting it with corrosive liquids, to name a few. It's a rigorous process, but it's all with the goal to create a watch that's tough enough for EDC and then some.

This model features a dark green dial with a red seconds hand, white indices, and silver accents. The green dial paired with the brown leather strap (it’s the same hard-wearing leather they use to make boots for firefighters) give off a military camouflage vibe without looking too tactical. As a unique design detail, the I.N.O.X. Titanium features a 24-hour time scale printed directly onto the inside of the crystal. These 13-24 hour markings make it easy to read military time and add visual depth to the dial. Lastly, there's a contrasting white date display between the 4 and 5 hour markers.

Inside, you’ll find a durable and accurate Swiss quartz movement. While many EDCers would appreciate an automatic movement in the watch, Victorinox opted for a movement certain to be able to handle the shock, temperature, and high durability standards set by the I.N.O.X. line. It's set inside a screw-down steel caseback that helps give the watch its 660ft water resistance rating.

Measuring in at 43mm the I.N.O.X. has plenty of wrist presence, yet despite its larger size, it doesn’t wear like a heavy, clunky watch. Since the case is made from titanium, the watch is remarkably light weight at only 3.3oz. Titanium is also a hypo-allergenic material, making the I.N.O.X. Titanium great for those with metal allergies as well.

If you like a large, adventure-ready watch that’s sure to hold up to anything you can throw at it, consider adding the I.N.O.X. Titanium to your collection. It comes with a compass bezel bumper for protection against scratches and a handsome presentation box. The watch is also available with black or grey dials with a variety of different strap options. You can browse them all at the link below.

You've got the toughest gear in your pockets, but what about on your wrist? If you're constantly up against jobs too heavy for a dress watch or like to spend time outdoors, a “tough digital” watch in your EDC is the way to go. They're better built for any adventure than most analog watches, thanks to their shock resistance, rugged construction, and outdoor-friendly features. That's why you'll see plenty of military and law enforcement opting to go digital for those tough missions, too. In this updated guide, we're highlighting 8 more excellent digital watches tough enough for EDC.

Whether you’re heading into the depths of the ocean, or just doing some desk diving around the office, the Abyss 2 by Zelos is sure to get the job done. Nearly every feature on the Abyss 2 is over-engineered to be the best that it possibly can. Zelos takes the standard dive watch specs (like water resistance, lume, domed crystal, and a sturdy case) and amps them up to the next level.

The Abyss 2’s 43mm case is made from a marine-grade copper-bronze alloy, a material that’s commonly seen in aquatic applications. The material, case design, and helium escape valve allow the watch to obtain its 3000M water resistance rating. No really, you read that right. The Abyss 2 has a water resistance of 3,000M. This is 10 times the amount commonly seen on a dive watch. Let that sink in.

The case will also pick up a patina over time — starting off with a look similar to rose gold, then eventually fading to a rich, golden brown. To increase legibility, they’ve engraved the hour makers extra deeply, allowing several layers of the super-luminous paint to build up. The result is an extra bright and long-lasting glow. The Abyss 2 also features an internal 12-hour rotating bezel that can track an alternate time zone. The dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal and finished with a lume-treated rotating outer bezel.

The watch stays ticking thanks to an automatic, reliable, Swiss-made Selitta movement. The standard model features the SW-200 movement with second hand, while The Turbine model features the SW-260. In place of a seconds hand is a running-indicator sub dial. And instead of a traditional elongated watch hand, there’s a disc with a propellor on it that rotates as long as the watch is running. It’s a nice design touch that further emphasizes the Abyss 2’s oceanic theme.

While most of the Abyss 2's design calls back to its deep-diver roots, a special edition version of the watch has a dial that's literally out of this world. It's made from the Muonionalusta meteorite, which landed over a million years ago in Sweden. It adds an exotic, one-of-a-kind texture to the watch. The standard configuration of the watch comes in either a black, blue, or green dial as well, with the Turbine version available in black or blue.

This tank of a dive watch is now available for pre-order, due to ship in early December of this year. The watch starts at $569 and goes up to $799 for the meteorite version. You can pick one up at the link below.

"We love the black, white, and blue graphics on Todd Snyder’s collab with Timex. Not only do you get the watchmaker’s famed durability and value, but an easy to read display inspired by race car gauges and..." (via TheAwesomer)

When you need an EDC watch that will stand up to the elements, a dive watch is your best bet. They're built to tackle critical underwater missions, after all. But even if you don't plan on taking it for a dip, a dive watch is still a solid choice for everyday wear. The First Tactical Fathom is a rugged yet sophisticated dive watch that wears well both out in the field and out on the town.

As a bona fide dive watch, the Fathom is waterproof down to 200 meters thanks to its pressurized internals, stainless steel case, and screw-down crown. Durable from the outside in, it features a Japanese quartz movement and a uni-directional rotating bezel for reliable timekeeping with minimal maintenance. Its TPSiV polymer band will also withstand the rigors of getting wet and drying out on a frequent basis. As an added tactical feature, the watch band has a morse code cheatsheet on its reverse side.

The Fathom wasn't designed to be solely a tool — its sleek styling makes it a timepiece you can wear off duty, too. At 47mm, its has plenty of wrist presence and an extremely legible face thanks to the larger diameter and minimalist markers. Super-LumiNova coating on the hands glow in the dark help with visibility in low-light conditions. And the hardened mineral crystal will hold up to moderate bumps and inadvertent scratches during daily use.

If you're been looking to add a durable and waterproof watch to your EDC, consider making the First Tactical Fathom your first choice. It's available in two different colors: matte black and titatnium-colored stainless steel. Check out both versions at the link below.

If you want an EDC watch that's practically indestructible but still light on your wrist, you'd usually look at digital watches. But those aren't for everyone, especially if you're after a more classic look. Few everyday carry brands do classics like Victorinox, whose iconic Swiss Army Knives have been EDC staples for decades. While its relatively new collection started with models built from its namesake I.N.O.X. steel, the line has expanded with timepieces sporting new, durable materials like titanium and paracord. The latest entry in the lineup, the I.N.O.X. Carbon, comes as a blacked-out, EDC-ready option with a case made from carbon fiber resin. It's got the rugged spirit and classic style we've seen from past I.N.O.X. watches in a new design that won't weigh you down.

Materials play a huge role for any piece of EDC gear's durability. The I.N.O.X. Carbon's unique carbon fiber resin not only dramatically reduces weight, but also creates a visually striking textured appearance that's actually smooth to the touch. Its lustrous, triple-AR coated sapphire crystal offers scratch-resistant clarity, juxtaposed by the case's satin finish to really make the watch face pop. As a unique design detail, the I.N.O.X. Carbon features a 24-hour time scale printed directly onto the inside of the crystal. These 13-24 hour markings make it easy to read military time and add visual depth to the dial. Lastly, there's a contrasting white date display between the 4 and 5 hour markers.

Inside, you’ll find a durable and accurate Swiss quartz movement. While many EDCers would appreciate an automatic movement in the watch, Victorinox opted for a movement certain to be able to handle the shock, temperature, and high durability standards set by the I.N.O.X. line. It's set inside a screw-down steel caseback that helps give the watch its 660ft water resistance rating.

Measuring in at 43mm the I.N.O.X. has plenty of wrist presence, yet despite its larger size, it doesn’t wear like a heavy, clunky watch. Since the case is made from carbon fiber, the watch is remarkably light weight. Paired with the soft and flexible Naimakka paracord strap, the I.N.O.X. Carbon is way more comfortable for daily wear than you would assume by looking at the specs, even on smaller wrists.

If you like a large, adventure-ready watch that’s sure to hold up to anything you can throw at it, consider adding the I.N.O.X. Carbon to your collection. It comes with an additional strap and a compass bezel bumper in its own diver-style storage case, too. You can pick up a Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon at the link below.

Investing in a G-Shock means investing in a watch tailor-made to take a beating. For over 3 decades, Casio have perfected their rugged timepieces, making them the perfect accessory for EDC. The GA700 series brings together all the features expected from a modern rugged watch, and with the UC (Utility Colors) series, adds that extra tactical flair to match an equally-rugged carry.

You may already be familiar with the hardened resin case that gives all G-Shocks their signature impact, shock resistance, and 200 meters of water resistance. Within the GA700 lies both analog and digital displays, with the latter giving you day/date visibility as well. 5 alarms, a countdown timer, world time, and backlit illumination round out the GA700's features. The 6 o'clock and side buttons have been redesigned to give you larger buttons for better purchase, and with its UC designation, you get 3 military-inspired colors to best match your EDC, including dark grey, tan, and the olive green seen above.

There's a reason G-Shocks have been a favorite of everyone from servicemen to EDCers with their (literally) solid features and inexpensive cost. The GA700UC series gives you yet another option to perfectly match your carry's needs and aesthetic. Pick up the Olive Green model at the Amazon link below.

"The watch enthusiasts at Worn & Wound have released their own retro military-style nylon watch strap. The ADPT Strap is sourced, manufactured and packed in the United States. It has a security band that will keep your watch on..." (via TheAwesomer)

A watch doesn't need a fancy mechanical movement to be worthy of your wrist. Quartz-powered watches represent some of the best value in everyday timepieces out there. Instead of the complex mechanical movement in an automatic watch, quartzes tick thanks to a PC board, battery, and gears. Watch purists may look down on quartz, but that shouldn't stop you from considering one for your EDC. These watches are dependable, reliable, and at the end of the day tell the time more accurately than even the best mechanical watches.

Disclosure : Everyday Carry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

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